The idiom "cut someone to the quick" has its origin in the literal sense of the word "quick." In this context, "quick" refers to the sensitive, living flesh located at the base of fingernails and toenails. This living tissue is protected by the nail, and when it is exposed or damaged, it can be extremely painful. Over time, the term "quick" was used metaphorically to describe emotional pain or hurt. The phrase "cut to the quick" emerged as a way to convey the idea of causing deep emotional pain, much like the physical pain associated with injuring the sensitive tissue beneath a nail.

What is the origin of the idiom "cut someone to the quick" and when to use it?

42d980cfd4cf7a150f44f860a0680b9621874b0b21ce702afbe1431fef418e0b

to [cut] {sb} to the quick

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY3V0IHNvbWVib2R5IHRvIHRoZSBxdWljaw&hash=14bd0a698aa40c6882f6ef10dde947a425045e60&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY3V0IHNvbWVib2R5IHRvIHRoZSBxdWljaw&hash=aa26bd50d8d3b300adccf92f12c7ae260dc73d63&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

Definición y significado de "cut somebody to the quick"en inglés

Download Mobile App